"What he can do is pick up silly bookings for little pulls, or talking back to referees, or getting involved with another player off the ball, which he has done in the past. At the minute, that’s all under control.”

The manager went as far as to praise his attitude and influence on the team, and continued: “Even Cheikh’s worst performance for us is usually enough to keep him in the team.

"That’s how important he is. I think we’ve got the best of Cheikh to come, for sure.

"He had a lot of games last year, and again African Cup of Nations qualifiers this year, as well as the games we’ve played.

"It’s been a tough run. Then there was the suspension. He hasn’t had any consistency. That, hopefully, will come now with a run of games."